Prequel Redness Reform Sulfur Cleanser (2.5% Colloidal Sulfur) Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 57 Reddit threads · Updated October 10, 2026
Sulfur and azelaic acid calm rosacea-redness and pustules; can dry you out. The catch: dries out skin fast if you overdo it. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeRedness-focused foaming cleanser
Best Cheaper AlternativeNo squeaky-clean tightness · $8.33 · 354.9 ml vs $17.99 for the original
#1
Best Overall Alternative
The why
One minus
Azelaic acid is only 10 ppm, not a leave-on treatment
Good forOily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Rosacea-redness and pustule relief
- Price
- $17.99 · 177.4 ml · $0.10/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
- Size: 354.9 ml
- Price per ml: $0.02/ml (original $0.10/ml)
The why
A straightforward daily cleanser with glycerin and centella asiatica extract that people keep in rotation during tretinoin dryness or rosacea flares. Best for sensitive, dry, or combination skin that wants clean without the squeaky after-feel. Some acne-prone users still find it drying or breakout-triggering.
One minus
Can still feel drying on already-stripped skin
Good forDry Skin
Both recommended for Redness / Irritation.
“within 2 days of washing my skin completely changed. it was no longer bumpy. it was actually smooth and soft.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
#3
Best for Acne
- Size: 150 ml
- Price per ml: $0.07/ml (original $0.10/ml)
The why
A foaming salicylic acid cleanser with willow bark water, tea tree oil, and lemon peel oil. Acne-prone and oily skin users call it a staple, especially for clogged pores; dry or sensitive skin often finds it stripping.
One minus
Can leave dry cheeks red and irritated
Good forOily Skin, Combination Skin, Sensitive Skin
Both recommended for Acne.
#4
Best for Redness / Irritation
- Size: 473.2 ml
- Price per ml: $0.03/ml (original $0.10/ml)
The why
A lotion-like, non-foaming cleanser built around glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and cholesterol. It suits dry, sensitive, tretinoin-stressed skin that hates stripping washes. Oily or clog-prone faces often complain it feels filmy or doesn’t clean enough.
One minus
Leaves a film for a lot of oily or combo skin
Good forDry Skin, Sensitive Skin
Both recommended for Redness / Irritation; discussed alongside Prequel Redness Reform Sulfur Cleanser (2.5% Colloidal Sulfur) in 6 threads.
“But switching to Cerave hydrating wash from Cetaphil made my skin less irritated & less prone to breakouts.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
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